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FALCON BMS · Fighter
F-16C Block 40 (BMS) Startup Checklist
FLIGHT2.17.0Checklist
F-16C Block 40 (BMS)FALCON BMS · Startup Checklist · 148 steps · 16 phases
PHS 1 - Pre-Flight Planning10 steps
| 01 | Mission Brief (BMS Briefing)REVIEWEDNOTE: Read the BMS briefing: package make-up, tasking (strike / SEAD / CAS), TOT, threats, and ROE. Block 40 is the night/precision-strike Viper - plan around LANTIRN employment. | |
| 02 | Weather BriefingREVIEWEDNOTE: Check departure, target area, and recovery weather. Note cloud bases, winds, and altimeter (QNH). LANTIRN FLIR degrades in heavy moisture. | |
| 03 | NOTAMs / AirspaceREVIEWEDNOTE: Note restricted areas, ROZ/airspace, minimum-risk routes, and the FLOT/FEBA position. | |
| 04 | Fuel Planning - Bingo / JokerSETNOTE: Calculate bingo (min fuel to RTB) and joker (leave target area). Single-engine jet - fuel discipline is critical. Account for external tanks if loaded. | |
| 05 | Stores / Loadout (BMS Loadout)VERIFIEDNOTE: Confirm BMS loadout: Mk-82/84, GBU-10/12/24 LGBs, AIM-120, AIM-9, plus LANTIRN AN/AAQ-13 NAV pod (station 5L) and AN/AAQ-14 TGP (station 5R). | |
| 06 | Steerpoints / WaypointsPLANNEDNOTE: Review steerpoint route, target STPT, and lines (CARA/bullseye). Confirm IP-to-target run-in for the strike. | |
| 07 | DTC / DED DataPREPAREDNOTE: Verify Data Transfer Cartridge holds steerpoints, threats, lines, EWS programs, and comm/nav presets for the mission. | |
| 08 | Radio Presets / IFF (BMS Comms Ladder)SETNOTE: Set UHF/VHF preset plan and the BMS comms ladder (Ground, Tower, Departure, AWACS, Tactical). Confirm IFF Mode 1/2/3/4 codes. | |
| 09 | Divert / Alternate BasesIDENTIFIEDNOTE: Know nearest divert fields, runway lengths, TACAN channels, and approach frequencies. | |
| 10 | Ejection Seat / PPEBRIEFEDNOTE: Confirm seat arming sequence and ejection envelope. ACES II zero-zero seat - but observe minimum recovery altitudes. |
PHS 2 - Electrical / Ground Power10 steps
| 01 | Walkaround / ChocksCONFIRM WITH CREW CHIEFNOTE: Chocks in, intake/exhaust clear, LANTIRN pods secure on chin stations. | |
| 02 | Ejection Seat Safety PinREMOVE & STOWWARNING: Seat becomes live once armed. Verify pin removed before flight, stowed in the holder. | |
| 03 | ThrottleOFF / CUTOFFWARNING: Throttle MUST be at OFF (CUTOFF) before applying power or starting the JFS. | |
| 04 | Parking BrakeSET | |
| 05 | CanopyCLOSE & LOCKNOTE: Close and verify the canopy handle is forward and locked before main power. | |
| 06 | MAIN PWR SwitchBATTNOTE: Battery power applied. Listen for the INS gyros spin up and the FLCS PMG. | |
| 07 | FLCS PWR Test LightsCHECK (4 LIGHTS)NOTE: On the FLCP, the four FLCS branch lights illuminate then extinguish - confirms quad-channel flight control power. | |
| 08 | MAIN PWR SwitchMAIN PWRNOTE: Selects main electrical bus. Caution panel illuminates - normal before engine start. | |
| 09 | Oxygen Supply LeverONNOTE: 100% / NORM as required for the mission. | |
| 10 | EPU SwitchNORM (Guard Down)CAUTION: Verify EPU guard closed. EPU should only run on its own logic or when manually armed for an emergency. |
PHS 3 - JFS / Engine Start15 steps
| 01 | Fuel Master SwitchMASTER (Guard Up)WARNING: Engine receives no fuel without the Fuel Master switch in MASTER. | |
| 02 | ENG FEED KnobNORM | |
| 03 | AIR SOURCE KnobNORM | |
| 04 | JFS SwitchSTART 2NOTE: Jet Fuel Starter spools the F110 toward ~20-25% RPM. Listen for JFS spool-up and the JFS RUN light. | |
| 05 | Engine RPM20-25% (JFS DRIVEN)NOTE: Wait for RPM to stabilise around 20-25% before advancing the throttle. | |
| 06 | ThrottleIDLE (above 20%)WARNING: Advancing to IDLE introduces fuel. Light-off (FTIT rise + RPM increase) should occur within 10 seconds. | |
| 07 | FTITRISING, MONITORCAUTION: If no light-off within 10 sec, or FTIT approaches the start limit (~700 C), retard throttle to OFF immediately. | |
| 08 | Engine RPMINCREASING TO IDLENOTE: F110-GE-100 accelerates to idle. Allow ~30-45 seconds to fully spool up. | |
| 09 | Oil PressureRISING WITHIN 10 SECCAUTION: Shut down if oil pressure does not rise as RPM increases. | |
| 10 | Engine RPM at IDLE~70% (GROUND IDLE)NOTE: The F110 ground idle sits higher than the F100 - around 68-72%. Let it stabilise. | |
| 11 | Nozzle PositionOPEN AT IDLENOTE: Nozzle should be wide open at idle, closing as the throttle advances. | |
| 12 | JFS SwitchOFF (AUTO)NOTE: JFS disengages automatically near 52% RPM. Confirm the JFS RUN light is out. | |
| 13 | MAIN GEN / STBY GENONLINE (Caution Lights OUT)NOTE: With the engine at idle the main generator picks up the bus. Confirm MAIN GEN and STBY GEN caution lights extinguish. | |
| 14 | FLCS BITINITIATENOTE: Hold the FLCS BIT switch (BIT) to run the flight control self-test. RUN light on, then out on a pass. | |
| 15 | FLCS BIT LightEXTINGUISHED (PASS)CAUTION: If the FLCS fault light stays on or the MFL logs a fault, do not fly until resolved. |
PHS 4 - INS Alignment12 steps
| 01 | Avionics Power - MMCMMC (UP)NOTE: Bring the Modular Mission Computer online. | |
| 02 | Avionics Power - MFDMFD (UP) | |
| 03 | Avionics Power - UFCUFC (UP)NOTE: Upfront controls / DED come alive. | |
| 04 | Avionics Power - GPSGPS (UP)NOTE: Powers the EGI GPS for embedded GPS/INS blending. | |
| 05 | Avionics Power - DLDL (UP)NOTE: Datalink (IDM/Link-16 as modelled) for the package. | |
| 06 | Avionics Power - ST STAST STA (UP) | |
| 07 | DEDVISIBLE / INITIALISEDCAUTION: Do NOT command INS align until the DED is up and readable, or the alignment will not start. | |
| 08 | INS KnobNORMNOTE: Selects full (normal) gyrocompass alignment - the most accurate. Allow 4-8 minutes. Do not move the aircraft during align. | |
| 09 | DED ALIGN PageVERIFYNOTE: ICP LIST then the ALIGN/INS page. The alignment quality figure counts down (e.g. 90 toward 10 or less). | |
| 10 | Stored Heading OptionAS REQUIREDNOTE: For a fast launch use STORED HEADING (~90 sec) instead of NORM - quicker but less accurate. NORM preferred for precision strike. | |
| 11 | Ramp Coordinates / SteerpointsVERIFYNOTE: Confirm STPT coordinates and the alignment lat/long match the briefed ramp position from the DTC. | |
| 12 | Alignment StatusALIGNING (BACKGROUND)NOTE: Continue cockpit setup while the INS aligns. It will read RDY / show 10 or less when complete. |
PHS 5 - Avionics / DED / DTC Setup11 steps
| 01 | Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC)LOADNOTE: On the DTE/MFD, select DTC LOAD ALL - pushes steerpoints, lines, threats, EWS programs, and comm/nav presets into the jet. | |
| 02 | SteerpointsVERIFY (UFC)NOTE: Step through STPTs on the DED. Confirm target, IP, and bullseye match the brief. | |
| 03 | COMM 1 (UHF)PRESET SETNOTE: Set the primary UHF preset per the BMS comms ladder (e.g. Ground for taxi). | |
| 04 | COMM 2 (VHF)PRESET SETNOTE: Set VHF preset for intra-flight / tactical as briefed. | |
| 05 | IFF Master KnobNORMNOTE: Confirm IFF Modes 1/2/3/4 codes loaded from the DTC. | |
| 06 | IFF Mode 4ON (Code Loaded)CAUTION: Verify Mode 4 reply before entering controlled / hostile airspace to avoid fratricide. | |
| 07 | TACANCHANNEL SET (T/R)NOTE: Set departure airfield or tanker TACAN channel and band. | |
| 08 | ILSFREQUENCY SETNOTE: Preset the recovery ILS frequency and course for the approach. | |
| 09 | Altimeter (QNH)SET FIELD ELEVATIONNOTE: Set baro to current QNH; verify field elevation within tolerance. | |
| 10 | Bingo FuelSET (UFC)NOTE: Enter bingo on the DED BINGO page so the low-fuel warning triggers at the planned value. | |
| 11 | CARA ALOW (Low Altitude Warning)SETNOTE: Set the radar-altimeter low-altitude warning floor, important for low-level LANTIRN ingress. |
PHS 6 - MFD / HUD Setup11 steps
| 01 | Left MFD - PagesFCR / TGP / SMSNOTE: Set up the left MFD format stack: Fire Control Radar, Targeting Pod, Stores Management. | |
| 02 | Right MFD - PagesHSD / TFR / WPNNOTE: Set the right MFD: Horizontal Situation Display, TFR/NAV (LANTIRN), and weapon pages. | |
| 03 | FCR (AN/APG-68)ON / STBY -> OPRNOTE: Block 40 carries the APG-68(V). Let it warm up; confirm a BIT pass. | |
| 04 | LANTIRN NAV Pod (AN/AAQ-13)ON / WARM-UPNOTE: Navigation pod on chin station 5L - provides terrain-following radar and wide-FOV FLIR to the HUD raster. | |
| 05 | LANTIRN Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-14)ON / STBY (Cooling)CAUTION: TGP on station 5R needs FLIR cooldown before it is usable - allow warm-up time before target area. | |
| 06 | HUD Symbology / BrightnessSETNOTE: Select day/night brightness. The Block 40 HUD can display raster FLIR imagery from the LANTIRN NAV pod. | |
| 07 | HUD Scales / DED DataSETNOTE: Set the desired HUD declutter, airspeed/altitude scales, and verify DED repeats on the HUD as needed. | |
| 08 | EWS (Electronic Warfare)PROGRAMS SET / STBYNOTE: Set chaff/flare programs and EWS mode (STBY/AUTO/SEMI) per the threat brief. | |
| 09 | RWR (ALR-56/69)ON / BITNOTE: Confirm the radar warning receiver powers up and passes BIT - audio and symbology present. | |
| 10 | Master ArmSAFEWARNING: Master Arm stays SAFE on the ground until the arming area / EOR. | |
| 11 | SMS LoadoutVERIFYNOTE: Confirm every station on the SMS page matches the briefed loadout (LGBs, AIM-120, AIM-9, tanks, pods). |
PHS 7 - Before Taxi11 steps
| 01 | INS AlignmentCOMPLETE (RDY / 10 or less)NOTE: Confirm alignment finished before moving. A premature taxi corrupts a NORM alignment. | |
| 02 | INS KnobNAVNOTE: Move the INS knob to NAV once aligned. The navigation solution is now active. | |
| 03 | AltimeterCROSS-CHECKNOTE: Confirm baro and radar altimeter read field elevation. | |
| 04 | Flight ControlsFREE & CORRECTNOTE: Full stick and rudder sweep - watch the FLCS surfaces respond correctly. No FLCS warnings. | |
| 05 | TrimSET / CHECK ZERONOTE: Confirm pitch/roll/yaw trim is centred (or set for stores asymmetry). | |
| 06 | Speed BrakesCYCLE / CLOSEDNOTE: Open and close to verify operation, leave closed. | |
| 07 | Exterior LightsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Position/anti-collision per ops; taxi light on. EMCON may dictate lights out. | |
| 08 | Probe Heat / Anti-IceAS REQUIRED | |
| 09 | BrakesCHECKCAUTION: Test toe brakes before releasing the parking brake. | |
| 10 | ChocksREMOVED (Crew Chief) | |
| 11 | Parking BrakeRELEASENOTE: Release only when cleared to taxi and the area is clear. |
PHS 8 - Taxi6 steps
| 01 | Ground / TowerREQUEST TAXINOTE: Call ground for taxi clearance to the active per the comms ladder. | |
| 02 | ThrottleADVANCE GENTLYCAUTION: F110 idle thrust is high - small throttle inputs are enough; expect to ride the brakes. | |
| 03 | Nose Wheel SteeringENGAGED (NWS Light ON)NOTE: Press NWS; confirm the NWS light. Steer with rudder pedals. | |
| 04 | Brakes (Taxi Check)CHECKNOTE: Verify braking action early in the taxi. | |
| 05 | InstrumentsCROSS-CHECKNOTE: HSI/steerpoint tracking, engine in limits, no new caution lights while taxiing. | |
| 06 | Taxi SpeedWALKING PACE IN TURNSCAUTION: Keep turns slow - the F-16 nose gear and heavy stores are unforgiving of fast turns. |
PHS 9 - Before Takeoff / Arming10 steps
| 01 | End-of-Runway (EOR) / Arming AreaSTOPNOTE: Hold for last-chance arming inspection by ground crew. | |
| 02 | Ejection SeatARMEDWARNING: Lower the seat arming handle. Seat is now live - handle with care. | |
| 03 | Pins / TagsPULLED (Crew Chief)WARNING: Confirm all weapon/gear safety pins removed at the arming area before takeoff. | |
| 04 | STORES CONFIG SwitchCAT I or CAT IIINOTE: Set CAT III for heavy/draggy A-G loads, CAT I for clean/light - this sets the FLCS g and AOA limiter. | |
| 05 | TrimSET FOR TAKEOFF | |
| 06 | Flaps / LEFAUTONOTE: F-16 leading/trailing edge flaps are scheduled automatically by the FLCS - no manual takeoff flap setting. | |
| 07 | Engine InstrumentsIN LIMITSNOTE: RPM, FTIT, nozzle, oil, hydraulics all normal before takeoff. | |
| 08 | FUEL QTY / BalanceCHECKNOTE: Confirm total fuel and that feed is balanced. Bingo set. | |
| 09 | TowerREQUEST TAKEOFFNOTE: Line up only when cleared onto the active. | |
| 10 | Master ArmAS BRIEFEDCAUTION: Leave SAFE for departure unless a hot departure / immediate engagement is briefed. |
PHS 10 - Takeoff9 steps
| 01 | BrakesHOLDNOTE: Hold brakes while running the engine up. | |
| 02 | ThrottleMIL POWERNOTE: Advance to MIL; verify ~94% RPM and FTIT/nozzle in limits before brake release. | |
| 03 | Engine CheckSTABLE IN LIMITSWARNING: Abort if RPM, FTIT, or nozzle are out of limits, or any engine caution illuminates. | |
| 04 | BrakesRELEASE | |
| 05 | ThrottleAFTERBURNER AS REQUIREDNOTE: Select AB for heavy A-G loads or short fields; MIL may suffice when light. Watch acceleration. | |
| 06 | Rotate~145-160 KIASNOTE: Rotate to ~10-13 deg pitch. Heavier stores need the higher speed before nose-up. | |
| 07 | Liftoff / AOAFLY OFF, ~13 deg AOACAUTION: Do not over-rotate - keep AOA below tail-strike / deep-stall guard. Let the jet fly off. | |
| 08 | Landing GearUP (below 300 KIAS)WARNING: Raise the gear once positively climbing. Gear limit speed 300 KIAS. | |
| 09 | ThrottleMIL (out of AB)NOTE: Come out of afterburner once safely climbing to conserve fuel. |
PHS 11 - After Takeoff / Climb5 steps
| 01 | Gear / LightsUP & OFFNOTE: Confirm gear up and locked (handle light out); landing/taxi lights off. | |
| 02 | Climb Schedule300-350 KIASNOTE: Set the climb speed schedule; transition to Mach as you climb. | |
| 03 | Departure / TacticalCONTACTNOTE: Switch to departure or tactical frequency and check in with the package / AWACS. | |
| 04 | Master ArmARM (Entering Combat)CAUTION: Arm only when tactically appropriate and clear of friendlies. | |
| 05 | Systems CheckFCR / TGP / EWS GOODNOTE: Verify radar, LANTIRN pods, RWR, and EWS are operational for the tasking. |
PHS 12 - Cruise / Transit6 steps
| 01 | Cruise PowerSET (~80-85% MIL)NOTE: Set an economical cruise; manage Mach for range to the target area. | |
| 02 | NavigationSTEERPOINT TRACKINGNOTE: Follow the steerpoint route on the HSD/HUD; cross-check against TACAN/bullseye. | |
| 03 | Fuel ManagementMONITOR / FEEDCAUTION: Monitor totaliser against the fuel plan. Watch joker/bingo. Confirm external tanks feed and jettison if hung. | |
| 04 | Tactical PictureBUILD (RWR / Datalink)NOTE: Build SA from RWR, FCR, and datalink. Watch threat rings on the HSD. | |
| 05 | LANTIRN TGPUNCAGE / SLEW AT IPNOTE: At the IP, bring the AN/AAQ-14 TGP active, slew to the target, and prepare the attack (laser code set). | |
| 06 | Weapon / SMS SetupPROFILE SETNOTE: Select the weapon, set fuzing and release mode (CCRP for LGBs/level bombing) on the SMS page. |
PHS 13 - Descent / Approach6 steps
| 01 | Recovery Brief / ATISREVIEWNOTE: Confirm recovery field, runway, weather, and approach type (ILS / TACAN / visual). | |
| 02 | Master ArmSAFEWARNING: Safe all weapons before recovery. Confirm no hung ordnance on the SMS page. | |
| 03 | DescentINITIATENOTE: Plan the descent to arrive at the initial / approach gate at the right energy. Speed brakes as needed. | |
| 04 | Altimeter (QNH)SET / CONFIRMNOTE: Reset baro to the recovery field QNH. | |
| 05 | Approach AidsTACAN / ILS TUNEDNOTE: Tune and identify the recovery TACAN/ILS; set the inbound course. | |
| 06 | Approach Speed / AOAON-SPEED (~13 deg AOA)NOTE: Fly the AOA bracket / on-speed donut as primary; ~150-170 KIAS depending on weight. |
PHS 14 - Landing8 steps
| 01 | Tower / PatternCONTACT / BREAKNOTE: Check in with tower; fly the overhead break at ~300 KIAS or the straight-in as briefed. | |
| 02 | Landing GearDOWN (below 300 KIAS)WARNING: Lower gear below 300 KIAS. Confirm three down-and-locked indications. | |
| 03 | Landing LightsON / AS REQUIRED | |
| 04 | Final ApproachON-SPEED AOACAUTION: Hold the on-speed AOA bracket on final - do not chase airspeed. Add power early if AOA goes slow. | |
| 05 | TouchdownMAIN GEAR FIRSTNOTE: Touch down on the mains at ~130-150 KIAS, throttle to IDLE. | |
| 06 | AerobrakeHOLD ~13 deg AOANOTE: Hold the nose high (~13 deg) to aerobrake; lower the nose below ~100 KIAS. | |
| 07 | Wheel BrakesAPPLY (below 100 KIAS)CAUTION: Apply brakes after nose-down. Avoid heavy braking at high speed to prevent tyre/brake damage. | |
| 08 | Aerodynamic / StoresMONITORNOTE: If landing heavy with stores, factor the longer rollout and higher AOA limit. |
PHS 15 - After Landing / Dearm7 steps
| 01 | Clear RunwayTAXI CLEARNOTE: Exit the active and contact ground. | |
| 02 | Master ArmSAFEWARNING: Confirm Master Arm SAFE before the dearm area. | |
| 03 | Ejection SeatSAFE (Handle Up)WARNING: Raise the seat arming handle to SAFE before crews approach. | |
| 04 | EOR / Dearm AreaSTOP FOR DEARMNOTE: Stop for the dearming crew to safe weapons and re-pin. | |
| 05 | Hung / Unexpended StoresDECLAREWARNING: Report any hung ordnance or unexpended weapons to the dearm crew before taxiing in. | |
| 06 | Exterior LightsAS REQUIREDNOTE: Anti-collision/strobe off, taxi light as needed. | |
| 07 | Probe Heat / PitotOFF |
PHS 16 - Shutdown11 steps
| 01 | Parking BrakeSETNOTE: Set on the parking spot; confirm chocks. | |
| 02 | Radar / FCRSTBY / OFFNOTE: Place the FCR to STBY before shutdown. | |
| 03 | LANTIRN PodsOFFNOTE: Power down the AN/AAQ-13 NAV and AN/AAQ-14 TGP pods. | |
| 04 | Avionics PowerOFFNOTE: MMC, MFD, UFC, GPS, DL, ST STA switches down. | |
| 05 | ThrottleOFF / CUTOFFWARNING: Bring the throttle around the horn to OFF to shut down the F110. Watch RPM and FTIT decay. | |
| 06 | Fuel Master SwitchOFF (Guard Down)NOTE: Secure the fuel master after the engine spools down. | |
| 07 | EPU SwitchOFF / NORMCAUTION: Confirm the EPU is not running before removing power. | |
| 08 | INS KnobOFF | |
| 09 | MAIN PWR SwitchOFFNOTE: Remove battery/main power once the engine is fully spooled down and avionics are off. | |
| 10 | Ejection Seat Safety PinINSTALLWARNING: Reinstall the seat safety pin before leaving the cockpit. | |
| 11 | CanopyOPENNOTE: Open the canopy and complete the post-flight log with the crew chief. |